compensatory damages

noun

: money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.
The patient sued for compensatory damages.

Examples of compensatory damages in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Nash’s lawyers are seeking general and compensatory damages; damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; costs of the lawsuit; and lost wages. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025 Handy-Jones opted for another trial to decide compensatory damages, which was held in January. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025 The suit, served on Sharp last week, seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages and reimbursement for attorney’s fees. Paul Sisson, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025 The suit, served on Sharp last week, seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages and reimbursement for attorney’s fees. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compensatory damages

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Cite this Entry

“Compensatory damages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensatory%20damages. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Legal Definition

compensatory damages

noun
: actual damages at damage 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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